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12 Best Ice Packs  [Tested and Reviewed]

12 Best Ice Packs [Tested and Reviewed]

Ice packs help keep packed lunches and groceries chilled, and they also come in handy for outdoor activities like camping and road trips. But with so many different types and cooling capabilities from brands like YETI, Cooler Shock, and Igloo, it can be difficult to decide which one to choose.

We've compared 12 bestselling ice packs available online and tested them to recommend the best ones for you.


We tested each product for the following:

  • Cooling Power
  • Cooling Duration
  • Ease of Use

Which product ended up being the best of the best? We'll also tell you how to pick the best ice packs in our buying guide, so read on for more shopping tips.

Last updated 08/30/2023
Masaki Nishijo
Guide
Head of Outdoor Gear at mybest
Masaki Nishijo

As head of outdoor gear, Masaki has extensive experience testing and evaluating products for camping and outdoor recreation, including camping tables and grills. Focusing on major brands such as Coleman, Snow Peak, and Logos, Masaki has personally tested over 100 products. Driven by the philosophy of "Choosing gear even beginners can enjoy," Masaki creates content that is focused on the needs and perspectives of the user and hopes to provide valuable insight and recommendations for anyone looking to make the most of their time outside.

Masaki Nishijo's Profile
…Continue reading

How We Tested the Products

Scroll to testing method
We gathered the 12 bestselling Ice Packs and put them through rigorous testing.
  1. Cooling Power

    1
    Cooling Power

    When using an ice pack, the first concern is its cooling ability. Ideally, it should prevent food from spoiling and keep beverages nice and cold. Here’s how we tested and rated cooling power. First, inside a lunch bag, we placed an ice pack and a can containing 10 ounces of room-temperature water at approximately 73 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, we inserted a thermometer to measure the temperature in real-time.We left the lunch bag in a room at 90 degrees Fahrenheit for 24 hours. After 24 hours, we checked the lowest recorded water temperature. We evaluated the products based on the difference between the lowest recorded and initial water temperatures, giving higher ratings to those that maintained lower temperatures.

  2. Cooling Duration

    2
    Cooling Duration

    A good ice pack should stay cold for a long time. Here’s how we tested the cooling duration. First, inside a lunch bag, we placed an ice pack and a can containing 10 ounces of room-temperature water, approximately 73 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, we inserted a thermometer to measure the temperature in real-time.We left the lunch bag in a 90-degree Fahrenheit room for 24 hours. After 24 hours, we checked the temperature recordings and calculated how long the water temperature remained below 59 degrees Fahrenheit. Higher ratings were given to products that maintained a water temperature below 59 degrees Fahrenheit for over six hours. We based this six-hour benchmark on the time between preparing lunch at six in the morning and lunchtime at noon. For evaluation, we used a temperature range of 54 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit, considered ideal for drinking water and good for health (Source: PROCOOL).

  3. Ease of Use

    3
    Ease of Use

    Ice packs are commonly used when packing a lunch or going grocery shopping. We rated products that require minimal preparation, had short refreezing times, and incorporated numerous user-friendly features for everyday use. Consider these six key factors to ensure they easily fit into your daily routine.Was there condensation?Was there leakage?Is it dishwasher-safe?Is the refreezing time under eight hours? (If this was not stated, it was scored zero points.)Are the contents non-toxic?Does it need to be filled?

All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest

Company Facility

Table of Contents

Are Ice Packs Really Necessary?

We all know that ice packs help keep things cool, but you might wonder if you need them for the short span between preparing lunch in the morning and lunchtime. Here, we'll discuss when an ice pack is necessary and the benefits of using one.

To Prevent Food Poisoning, Use Ice Packs When It’s Warmer Than 68 Degrees Out

To Prevent Food Poisoning, Use Ice Packs When It’s Warmer Than 68 Degrees Out

You might think ice packs are only necessary on hot summer days. In reality, ice packs are essential when the temperature rises above 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Most bacteria that cause food poisoning, such as staphylococcus aureus, vibrio parahaemolyticus, and salmonella, thrive in temperatures between 68 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and their growth accelerates at temperatures above 86 degrees Fahrenheit.


Therefore, keeping your lunch at a temperature of 66 degrees Fahrenheit or lower can help prevent the growth of bacteria (Source: NIH). While 68 degrees may feel cool, it is within the range conducive to bacterial activity, making it a dangerous threshold. To prevent food poisoning, it's best to use ice packs to keep your lunch and drinks cool every day, not just on hot days.

Which Is Better, Ice Packs or Ice?

When it comes to keeping food and drinks cool, you can either use ice packs or ice. How should you decide which one to use? To get the best results when cooling your food and drinks, it's important to choose according to the situation.

Choose Ice Packs for Lunch Boxes, Ice for Outdoor Use

Choose Ice Packs for Lunch Boxes, Ice for Outdoor Use

Ice packs and ice each have their unique qualities. To effectively keep food and drinks cool, it's necessary to choose the right one based on the situation. Ice packs can be refrozen and used again, making them suitable for everyday lunch bags. They are easy to maintain since they don't leave water behind when they melt, making them convenient for daily use.


Although ice packs have less cooling power than ice, they can keep things cool for around four to eight hours, which is more than enough for the five to six hours from preparing lunches in the morning until lunchtime.


On the other hand, ice is used directly in hard and soft coolers, making it ideal for outdoor leisure activities. Ice lasts longer, so it can keep items chilled for extended periods, allowing you to enjoy ice-cold beverages throughout the day. However, when the ice melts, it creates water that needs to be dealt with, making it more suitable for outdoor situations where water disposal is more manageable.

How to Choose an Ice Pack - Buying Guide

Here are the points to keep in mind when choosing the best icepacks.
1

Ice Packs With High Cooling Power Are Best for Any Occasion

When selecting an ice pack, the first thing to consider is cooling power and cooling duration. Our tests revealed a significant difference in cooling power among different products.

Product Performance Varied Significantly in Our Tests

Product Performance Varied Significantly in Our Tests

In our tests, we noticed a big difference in the cooling power across the different products. However, we didn’t find a clear connection between the type of container or the material inside and their cooling abilities. So if you're after high cooling power, we suggest you check out our test results to pick the right product.


We put room-temperature water of around 73 degrees Fahrenheit into a lunch bag along with the ice packs and left it in a room with a temperature close to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. We monitored the water temperature for 24 hours to test the cooling power and cooling duration of each product. 


The best-performing ice pack managed to bring the water temperature down to 50.8 degrees Fahrenheit, while some others couldn't even get the water much cooler than its starting point of 73 degrees Fahrenheit, a difference of 23 degrees Fahrenheit. When we tested how long these packs could chill, the differences really stood out. Some could keep the water below 59 degrees Fahrenheit for over seven hours, but others couldn't get the water below 59 degrees Fahrenheit at all. Ice packs that cool well for a long time are perfect for packed lunches or when you need to keep things cool for longer, like during outdoor activities.

2

Gel-Type Ice Packs Are Better for Keeping Lunches Cold

Gel-type ice packs are the best choice if you want to keep your lunch cool until lunchtime. This section will explain why we recommend gel-type ice packs and discuss the best ones to buy.

Look for Ice Packs That Stay Cool for More Than 6 Hours

Look for Ice Packs That Stay Cool for More Than 6 Hours

From the time you prepare lunch in the morning until lunchtime, you'll need to keep your lunch cool for around five to six hours. When using an ice pack to keep your lunch cool, choose one that can stay cool for at least six hours. In the cooling duration test, many gel ice packs could stay cool for six hours.


The longest lasting was seven hours, 20 minutes, enough to stay cool until around one in the afternoon if you prepare your lunch early in the morning. The cooling time you'll need will depend on when you prepare the lunch and what time you eat. Ice packs that can stay cool for more than six hours can be used in various situations, so see our testing results to choose one that can last for more than six hours.

Gel Packs Are Lightweight and Easy to Carry

Gel Packs Are Lightweight and Easy to Carry

The advantage of gel-type ice packs is that they are lighter and more portable than hard case types. They’re not bulky, so they are easy to tuck into spaces inside lunch bags, and using multiple packs won’t add much weight.


In contrast, hard-case ice packs tend to be thicker and heavier. They can weigh down lunch bags, making them difficult to carry when using multiple ice packs.

Look for Ones That Don't Require Filling Before Their First Use

Look for Ones That Don't Require Filling Before Their First Use

Some gel-type ice packs require more effort than others. Those that only need to be placed in the freezer are easy to get ready and can be used the next day without any hassle. Other types of ice packs will require you to add water and wait for a gel to form before putting them in the freezer, which can be time-consuming. After they’re set up once, they can be refrozen repeatedly, but it can take time if you’re using multiple packs.

Below Zero Is the Best Ice Pack for Keeping Lunches Cool

Below Zero Is the Best Ice Pack for Keeping Lunches Cool

Of the products we tested, the Below Zero Pre-Filled Ice Pack was exceptional for keeping food and beverages cold for extended periods without the hassle of preparation. Its impressive cooling power can cool room-temperature water from around 73 to 52 degrees Fahrenheit.


Furthermore, it maintains water temperature below 59 degrees Fahrenheit for seven hours and 20 minutes, ensuring your lunch stays chilled from early morning until lunchtime. If you're looking for an everyday ice pack, consider this product.

3

For Camping and Road Trips, Opt for Hard Case Ice Packs

Hard case ice packs are recommended when using ice packs alongside ice for outdoor activities. In this section, we'll tell you the best ones we found and explain why we recommend them for outdoor use.

For Activities That Require Over 8 Hours of Cooling, Pair Hard Ice Packs With Ice for Optimal Performance

For Activities That Require Over 8 Hours of Cooling, Pair Hard Ice Packs With Ice for Optimal Performance

During outdoor leisure activities such as camping and road trips, it may take a while from when you leave home until dinner time. In these situations, it's ideal to have ice packs that can maintain their cooling power for over eight hours to ensure your food and beverages stay chilled.


However, our tests showed no ice packs could maintain cooling for more than eight hours. When you want extended cooling during outdoor leisure activities, using multiple ice packs along with ice is recommended. That said, there is a significant difference in cooling duration among hard ice packs. Refer to our testing results to choose one with a longer cooling time.

Hard Ice Packs Offer Durability and Easy Stacking

Hard Ice Packs Offer Durability and Easy Stacking

A significant advantage of ice packs in hard cases is their durability. They are made of high-strength plastic materials, making them sturdy and resistant to damage even when handled roughly. This durability benefits outdoor leisure activities, where the ice pack will be used with ice and subject to impacts.


In addition, unlike gel-type ice packs, the hard types don’t deform when frozen, making them easy to stack on top of ice, food, or beverages. Stackability allows for efficient use of cooler box space and storing more items.

YETI Is Perfect for Multi-Day Road Trips or Camping

YETI Is Perfect for Multi-Day Road Trips or Camping

Among the products tested, the YETI Ice is the best hard type ice pack for outdoor activities. In our tests, it could cool room temperature water down to about 56 degrees Fahrenheit and keep the temperature below 59 degrees for six hours and 20 minutes.


This ice pack offers the highest cooling power among hard case types. Using it combined with ice can keep food and beverages cold during outdoor activities. Additionally, the heavy-duty plastic case makes it suitable for outdoor use. If you're looking for an ice pack for camping or road trips, put the YETI Ice at the top of your list.

4

For Ease of Use, Check These 3 Points

Three factors contribute to how user-friendly ice packs are: refreezing time, leakage, and condensation. When selecting an ice pack, pay particular attention to refreezing time.

For a Stress-Free Morning, Choose Ice Packs That Refreeze in Under 8 Hours

For a Stress-Free Morning, Choose Ice Packs That Refreeze in Under 8 Hours

Ice packs can vary in their refreezing, so it's essential to know how long it takes for an ice pack to refreeze. As a rule of thumb, choose an ice pack with a refreezing time of less than eight hours. Ice packs that refreeze in under eight hours will be ready to use by the time you wake up if you place them in the freezer before bed.


In contrast, products taking more than 12 hours to refreeze may not be fully frozen by morning, meaning you won't be able to take full advantage of their cooling power. In this case, you'll need to either be strategic about placing the ice pack in the freezer or purchasing multiple ice packs and rotating their use.

We Found No Leakage in the Products We Tested

We Found No Leakage in the Products We Tested

When using ice packs, whether or not they leak can be a big concern. None of the products tested experienced any leakage. Although all the products functioned without issues, always practice proper use. Be especially cautious with the gel types or those with caps, as they might be damaged if handled roughly.

All Ice Packs Had Some Condensation

All Ice Packs Had Some Condensation

Another concern is whether condensation will form on the ice pack. Condensation can cause the inside of your lunch box or lunch bag to become wet. In our tests, all products had some condensation. When using an ice pack, assume that condensation will occur and take necessary precautions. For example, you can place a towel between the ice pack and your food or wrap the ice pack in plastic wrap to minimize dampness.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

12 Best Ice Packs Ranking

Here are the best ice packs we found after testing. We ranked them based on our weighted testing specs.
Recommended
Price Performance
Sort
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For packing lunches
For outdoor activities
Maximum cooling power
Products
Image
mybest Score
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Price
Key features
Ranking spec
Details
Cooling power
Cooling duration
Ease of use
Type
Min. water temperature
Refreezing time
Length
Width
Thickness
Weight
Refrigerant
Shell material
Temperature rating
Condensation-free
Leakproof
Time water temperature kept below 59℉
Quantity
1

Below Zero

Pre-filled Ice Pack

Below Zero  Pre-filled Ice Pack 1
4.70

$35.94

High

mybest's Top Choice! Keeps Your Lunch Chilled and Is Easy for Everyday Use

4.47
5.00
4.65

Soft

52℉

24 hrs.

7.5 in.

6.5 in.

1 in.

0.7 lbs.

Gel with natural AFP

Nylon reinforced aluminum

unknown

unknown

7.3 hrs.

5

2

Cooler Shock

Premium Ice Pack43237-2

Cooler Shock Premium Ice Pack 1
4.43

$27.99

High Mid

High Cooling Power in a Lightweight and Easy-to-Carry Design

4.61
4.68
3.75

Soft

51℉

12 hrs.

6.5 in.

7.5 in.

1 in.

0.68 Ibs.

unknown

Nylon

Below freezing point

unknown

6.1 hrs.

5

2

YETI

IceYICE2N2

YETI Ice 1
4.43

$15.00

Mid

Long-Lasting Cooling and Durability for Outdoor Activities

4.22
4.75
4.29

Hard

56℉

unknown

5.4 in.

8 in.

1.6 in.

2 lbs.

unknown

Plastic

unknown

unknown

6.3 hrs.

1

4

Tourit

Ice PackTR2401007AN025-FCA

Tourit Ice Pack 1
4.31

$10.49

Mid

Reliable Cooling With Minimal Preparation for Everyday Use

4.25
4.50
4.11

Soft

56°F

8 hrs.

7.5 in.

6.5 in.

0.4 in.

0.65 lbs.

Gel

unknown

Below freezing point

unknown

5.6 hrs.

5

5

Fit + Fresh

Fit + FreshXL Cool Coolers239ICE

Fit + Fresh XL Cool Coolers 1
3.94

$9.12

Mid

User-Friendly, but Doesn't Cool as Well or as Long

4.00
3.68
4.47

Hard

58℉

unknown

4.75 in.

2.25 in.

7 in.

0.54 lbs.

unknown

Plastic

unknown

unknown

3.3 hrs.

4

6

Igloo

Ice Block

Igloo Ice Block 1
3.46

$3.49

Low

Simple to Use, but Struggles With Cooling in Hot Conditions

3.79
3.00
4.47

Hard

61℉

unknown

4.31 in.

8 in.

8 in.

1 lbs.

Gel

unknown

unknown

unknown

0 hrs.

1

7

Thrive

Ice Packs900123

Thrive Ice Packs 1
3.33

$16.95

High Mid

No Prep Time or Leakage, but Doesn’t Keep Items Cool Until Lunchtime

3.40
3.00
4.47

Soft

65℉

unknown

7.5 in.

5 in.

1.5 in.

1.7 lbs.

Gel

Vinyl

unknown

unknown

0 hrs.

4

8

Lifoam Industries

Freeze Pak8205544

Lifoam Industries Freeze Pak 1
3.26

$3.94

Low

Easy Preparation, but Cooling Capabilities Could Be Improved

3.22
3.00
4.47

Hard

71℉

unknown

6.80 in.

1.80 in.

8.20 in.

2.4 lbs.

Gel

unknown

unknown

unknown

0 hrs.

1

9

Blue Ele

BE01

Blue Ele BE01 1
3.17

$19.98

High Mid

Leak-Free and Easy to Use, but Lacking in Cooling Power

3.00
3.00
4.65

Hard

73℉

12 hrs.

6.26in.

4.33in.

0.59in.

1.57lbs.

unknown

Plastic

unknown

unknown

0 hrs.

4

10

Bentgo

Buddies Reusable Ice PackBGICE-UNI

Bentgo Buddies Reusable Ice Pack 1
3.16

$9.99

Mid

No Leakage, but Poor Cooling Power

3.00
3.00
4.47

Hard

74℉

unknown

5.8-7.3 in.

4.3-5.6 in.

0.5-0.55 in.

4.2 lbs.

Water 87%, Sodium Chloride 10%, CMC (Carboxymethyl Cellulose) 3%

Polypropylene

unknown

unknown

0 hrs.

4

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1
Top Choice Ice Packs
No.1 in Cooling duration
No.1 in Ease of use

Below Zero Pre-filled Ice Pack

mybest Score
4.70
Cooling power
4.47
Cooling duration
5.00
Ease of use
4.65
View on Amazon
Pre-filled Ice Pack 1
Lowest price
$35.94
High
Lowest price
$35.94
High
TypeSoft
Min. water temperature52℉
Refreezing time24 hrs.
Time water temperature kept below 59℉7.3 hrs.
Quantity5
Length
7.5 in.
Width
6.5 in.
Thickness
1 in.
Weight
0.7 lbs.

mybest's Top Choice! Keeps Your Lunch Chilled and Is Easy for Everyday Use

Below Zero's Pre-filled Ice Pack is primarily available online and comes in a set of 10 with a strong nylon-aluminum exterior. During testing, this ice pack demonstrated its impressive cooling capabilities by bringing room temperature water of 73 degrees Fahrenheit down to 52.2 degrees in a 90-degree room. It effectively reduces the risk of bacterial growth and ensures you'll have a cold beverage on even the hottest days.


It keeps water below 59 degrees for seven hours and 20 minutes, too. Even when preparing lunches early in the morning, and it will keep your lunch and beverages chilled until lunchtime. Though there was some condensation, the ice pack's contents didn't leak. With no initial setup required, just toss it in the freezer and it's ready for use the next day. Refreezing takes at least 24 hours, but the set of 10 ice packs allows for easy rotation.


This easy-to-use ice pack keeps your lunch and drinks chilled, even on hot days. It is highly recommended for anyone who uses a lunch bag with ice packs daily.

RefrigerantGel with natural AFP
Shell materialNylon reinforced aluminum
Temperature ratingunknown
Condensation-freeunknown
Leakproof
View all
Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2
No.1 in Cooling power

Cooler ShockPremium Ice Pack43237-2

mybest Score
4.43
Cooling power
4.61
Cooling duration
4.68
Ease of use
3.75
Lowest price
$27.99
High Mid
TypeSoft
Min. water temperature51℉
Refreezing time12 hrs.
Time water temperature kept below 59℉6.1 hrs.
Quantity5
Length
6.5 in.
Width
7.5 in.
Thickness
1 in.
Weight
0.68 Ibs.

High Cooling Power in a Lightweight and Easy-to-Carry Design

Cooler Shock's Premium Ice Pack comes in various types and sizes. Made with durable nylon material, it is available in Lunch Box Size, Cooler Size, and All-Purpose options. This review focuses on the Lunch Box Size. With its impressive cooling ability, it cooled room temperature water down to 51.1 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for keeping lunch cool during hot summer days and reducing the risk of food poisoning. With the ability to cool down to almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit, it is also suitable for chilling alcoholic beverages.


The ice pack maintained a water temperature below 59 degrees Fahrenheit for just over six hours, showcasing its lasting power. Prepare your lunch in the early morning, and it will keep your food and drinks chilled until lunchtime. However, there is some preparation required, as you need to add water to the pack and let it gel before freezing. Refreezing takes 12 hours, but it comes as a set of five ice packs, so you can use them in rotation.


This ice pack excels in cooling power and keeps your lunch chilled until mealtime. It is highly recommended for those who desire a cold drink even on the hottest summer days.

Refrigerantunknown
Shell materialNylon
Temperature ratingBelow freezing point
Condensation-freeunknown
Leakproof
View all
No.2

YETIIceYICE2N2

mybest Score
4.43
Cooling power
4.22
Cooling duration
4.75
Ease of use
4.29
Lowest price
$15.00
Mid
TypeHard
Min. water temperature56℉
Refreezing timeunknown
Time water temperature kept below 59℉6.3 hrs.
Quantity1
Length
5.4 in.
Width
8 in.
Thickness
1.6 in.
Weight
2 lbs.

Long-Lasting Cooling and Durability for Outdoor Activities

This ice pack by YETI comes in one-, two-, and four-pound sizes. For this review, we tested the two-pound size. During testing, the ice pack cooled room temperature water down to 56.5 degrees Fahrenheit. While it didn't cool the water to near 50 degrees, it can effectively suppress bacteria growth during summer. For better cooling of larger quantities of food and beverages, consider using multiple ice packs.


It maintained water temperatures below 59 degrees Fahrenheit for six hours and 20 minutes, showcasing its long-lasting cooling capabilities. Not only will it last until lunchtime, but when used with ice, it keeps food and drinks chilled for extended periods during outdoor activities. Condensation will occur, but there’s no leakage, and no preparation is required. Just place it in the freezer upon arrival, and it's ready to use the next day.


This ice pack offers long-lasting cooling and high durability, making it ideal for those who use it with ice during camping trips or road trips.

Refrigerantunknown
Shell materialPlastic
Temperature ratingunknown
Condensation-freeunknown
Leakproof
View all
No.4

TouritIce PackTR2401007AN025-FCA

mybest Score
4.31
Cooling power
4.25
Cooling duration
4.50
Ease of use
4.11
Lowest price
$10.49
Mid
TypeSoft
Min. water temperature56°F
Refreezing time8 hrs.
Time water temperature kept below 59℉5.6 hrs.
Quantity5
Length
7.5 in.
Width
6.5 in.
Thickness
0.4 in.
Weight
0.65 lbs.

Reliable Cooling With Minimal Preparation for Everyday Use

Tourit's gel-based ice pack comes in Lunch Size, Large Size, and Normal Size options. We tested the Lunch Size for this review. The ice pack cooled room temperature water down to 56.7 degrees Fahrenheit. Although it didn't cool the water to near 50 degrees, it still provides adequately chilled beverages even on hot summer days. For colder temperatures, consider using more ice packs.


Additionally, it maintained water temperatures below 59 degrees Fahrenheit for five hours and 40 minutes. This demonstrates its lasting power, as it can keep food and beverages chilled from morning preparation until nearly noon. In terms of convenience, you will need to add water to the pack and allow it to gel before freezing. However, its non-toxic gel is safe for food and human contact, and with a refreezing time of less than eight hours, it's an appealing option for daily use.

RefrigerantGel
Shell materialunknown
Temperature ratingBelow freezing point
Condensation-freeunknown
Leakproof
View all
No.5

Fit + FreshFit + FreshXL Cool Coolers239ICE

mybest Score
3.94
Cooling power
4.00
Cooling duration
3.68
Ease of use
4.47
Lowest price
$9.12
Mid
TypeHard
Min. water temperature58℉
Refreezing timeunknown
Time water temperature kept below 59℉3.3 hrs.
Quantity4
Length
4.75 in.
Width
2.25 in.
Thickness
7 in.
Weight
0.54 lbs.

User-Friendly, but Doesn't Cool as Well or as Long

The Fit + Fresh XL Cool Coolers are a set of four hard case ice packs. In testing, these ice packs cooled water to 57.7 degrees Fahrenheit, providing only moderate cooling. While they did lower water temperature below 59 degrees Fahrenheit, they might not be sufficient for those who prefer ice-cold drinks. To enhance cooling, consider using more ice packs or sandwiching food and drinks between them.


In addition, these ice packs only maintained water temperatures below 59 degrees Fahrenheit for three hours and 20 minutes, which might not be enough to keep items cool from morning until lunchtime. On a positive note, these ice packs were rated highly for their ease of use. They require no preparation, so you can simply place them in the freezer and start using them the next day. The ice packs don’t leak and are made from non-toxic, BPA-free materials, ensuring food safety and human health.

Refrigerantunknown
Shell materialPlastic
Temperature ratingunknown
Condensation-freeunknown
Leakproof
View all
No.6

IglooIce Block

mybest Score
3.46
Cooling power
3.79
Cooling duration
3.00
Ease of use
4.47
Lowest price
$3.49
Low
TypeHard
Min. water temperature61℉
Refreezing timeunknown
Time water temperature kept below 59℉0 hrs.
Quantity1
Length
4.31 in.
Width
8 in.
Thickness
8 in.
Weight
1 lbs.

Simple to Use, but Struggles With Cooling in Hot Conditions

The Igloo Ice Block is available in small, medium, large, and extra large sizes. This review focuses on the medium size. During testing, the ice pack only cooled water to 60.8 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in a disappointing evaluation. It may not be suitable for hot summer days, as it struggles to chill food and beverages adequately. For better cooling, try using more ice packs or sandwiching items between them.


The ice pack also failed to maintain water temperatures below 59 degrees Fahrenheit, earning a low rating for cooling duration. It is recommended to use multiple ice packs not only in lunch bags but also when used with ice for outdoor leisure activities. As for positives, the ice pack doesn’t leak and is made from non-toxic materials. There is no need for preparation, just place it in the freezer, and it is ready for use the next day.

RefrigerantGel
Shell materialunknown
Temperature ratingunknown
Condensation-freeunknown
Leakproof
View all
Lowest price
$16.95
High Mid
TypeSoft
Min. water temperature65℉
Refreezing timeunknown
Time water temperature kept below 59℉0 hrs.
Quantity4
Length
7.5 in.
Width
5 in.
Thickness
1.5 in.
Weight
1.7 lbs.

No Prep Time or Leakage, but Doesn’t Keep Items Cool Until Lunchtime

Thrive Ice Packs come in a set of four uniquely designed ice packs and are primarily sold online. During cooling power testing, the ice packs could only cool room temperature water down to 64.9 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in a low rating. They might not provide adequate cooling for food and beverages, especially during hot summer days. For better cooling, even in moderate temperatures, you may need to increase the number of ice packs used.


Furthermore, the ice packs failed to maintain water temperatures below 59 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in a disappointing evaluation for lasting power. To reduce foodborne illness risk, consider using multiple ice packs and placing them strategically around your food and drinks. On the other hand, the ice packs scored highly in ease-of-use testing. They require no initial preparation, so you can simply place them in the freezer and use them the next day. They don’t leak during use and are made of BPA-free materials, ensuring food safety and human health.

RefrigerantGel
Shell materialVinyl
Temperature ratingunknown
Condensation-freeunknown
Leakproof
View all
No.8

Lifoam IndustriesFreeze Pak8205544

mybest Score
3.26
Cooling power
3.22
Cooling duration
3.00
Ease of use
4.47
Lowest price
$3.94
Low
TypeHard
Min. water temperature71℉
Refreezing timeunknown
Time water temperature kept below 59℉0 hrs.
Quantity1
Length
6.80 in.
Width
1.80 in.
Thickness
8.20 in.
Weight
2.4 lbs.

Easy Preparation, but Cooling Capabilities Could Be Improved

Lifoam Industries' Freeze Pak is a hard-case type cold pack that comes in three sizes. We used the large size for our tests. In the cooling power test, room temperature water could only be cooled to 71 degrees Fahrenheit. It might be necessary to increase the number of ice packs used, not only on hot summer days but also on days with comfortable temperatures, to prevent food from spoiling.


Because the ice pack could not lower the water temperature below 59 degrees Fahrenheit, it could not maintain drinking water at recommended safe temperatures. To enjoy your drinks at optimal cool temperatures, it might be necessary to increase the number of ice packs or use them with ice. On the other hand, the Freeze Pak received high ratings for ease of handling. There's no need for initial preparation, and it can be used immediately after freezing. In addition, the use of BPA-free material for the container shows consideration for health and food safety.

RefrigerantGel
Shell materialunknown
Temperature ratingunknown
Condensation-freeunknown
Leakproof
View all
No.9
No.1 in Ease of use

Blue EleBE01

mybest Score
3.17
Cooling power
3.00
Cooling duration
3.00
Ease of use
4.65
Lowest price
$19.98
High Mid
TypeHard
Min. water temperature73℉
Refreezing time12 hrs.
Time water temperature kept below 59℉0 hrs.
Quantity4
Length
6.26in.
Width
4.33in.
Thickness
0.59in.
Weight
1.57lbs.

Leak-Free and Easy to Use, but Lacking in Cooling Power

Blue Ele specializes in lunch boxes and cold packs with the aim of making meals exciting and imaginative for kids. Their Blue Ele BE01 is a set of four cold packs featuring a distinctive colorful design. In our cooling power tests, these packs could only cool room-temperature water down to 73 degrees Fahrenheit. A single pack may not be enough, so you may need to use multiple packs to ensure food and beverages are sufficiently cooled even on days when the weather is not hot.


In our cooling duration test, the water temperature did not drop below 59 degrees Fahrenheit. You may need to use more packs or employ other strategies, such as storing food in the shade until lunchtime, to maintain desired temperatures inside the lunchbox. Nevertheless, the BE01 scored well for ease of preparation and leak prevention, which are certainly beneficial features. The packs require a somewhat lengthy refreezing time of 12 hours, but with a set of four packs, they can be used in rotation.

Refrigerantunknown
Shell materialPlastic
Temperature ratingunknown
Condensation-freeunknown
Leakproof
View all
No.10

BentgoBuddies Reusable Ice PackBGICE-UNI

mybest Score
3.16
Cooling power
3.00
Cooling duration
3.00
Ease of use
4.47
Lowest price
$9.99
Mid
TypeHard
Min. water temperature74℉
Refreezing timeunknown
Time water temperature kept below 59℉0 hrs.
Quantity4
Length
5.8-7.3 in.
Width
4.3-5.6 in.
Thickness
0.5-0.55 in.
Weight
4.2 lbs.

No Leakage, but Poor Cooling Power

Bentgo, known for their BPA-free, environmentally-conscious plastic and glass lunch boxes, offers the Buddies Reusable Ice Pack. This pack features a unique unicorn design and comes in a set of four. In cooling power tests, these packs only managed to bring room-temperature water down to 74 degrees Fahrenheit, showing little change from the starting temperature. This may result in suboptimal cooling of food and beverages, particularly on hotter days. 


For those who prefer their drinks cold, it’s probably best to use more packs or arrange them creatively for optimal cooling. These packs were unable to keep beverages at a healthy, ideal temperature below 59 degrees Fahrenheit. To maintain coolness until lunchtime, it is recommended to increase the number of packs used and to store your lunch in a place with minimal exposure to sunlight. On a positive note, there was no leakage, and the packs are made of non-toxic materials. They are easy to prepare, needing only to be placed in the freezer before use.

RefrigerantWater 87%, Sodium Chloride 10%, CMC (Carboxymethyl Cellulose) 3%
Shell materialPolypropylene
Temperature ratingunknown
Condensation-freeunknown
Leakproof
View all
No.10

MedportFit + FreshCool Coolers Soft Ice Packs10300FF

mybest Score
3.16
Cooling power
3.00
Cooling duration
3.00
Ease of use
4.47
Lowest price
$9.99
Mid
TypeSoft
Min. water temperature73℉
Refreezing timeunknown
Time water temperature kept below 59℉0 hrs.
Quantity2
Length
4.75in.
Width
1.25in.
Thickness
7.5in.
Weight
13.7lbs.

BPA-Free Material, but Cooling Capacity Falls Short

Medport offers the Cool Coolers Soft Ice Packs in sets of two and a choice of 10 designs. In our cooling power tests, the packs were unable to significantly lower the temperature of room-temperature water, which remained at a constant 73 degrees Fahrenheit. This could result in inadequately chilled food and beverages on hot days, increasing the risk of bacterial growth. To reach cooler temperatures, it might be necessary to increase the number of packs used or position them strategically.


In our cooling duration test, the water temperature failed to dip below 59 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in less than stellar performance. To maintain a cool temperature until lunchtime, it is recommended to use more packs and store them in as cool a place as possible. On the upside, the packs scored highly in terms of ease of use. They require no special preparation and can be used immediately after freezing. Furthermore, the non-toxic material used for the packs is a benefit for both health and food safety. Additionally, the packs did not leak during usage, making them easy to keep clean.

RefrigerantGel
Shell materialNylon
Temperature ratingunknown
Condensation-freeunknown
Leakproof
View all
No.10

MedportFit + FreshCool Coolers336HLJP

mybest Score
3.16
Cooling power
3.00
Cooling duration
3.00
Ease of use
4.47
Lowest price
$8.42
Low Mid
TypeHard
Min. water temperature73℉
Refreezing timeunknown
Time water temperature kept below 59℉0 hrs.
Quantity4
Length
5in.
Width
4.75in.
Thickness
0.50in.
Weight
1.25lbs.

Easy to Prepare, but Struggles to Keep Food and Drinks Cold on Hot Days

Medport's Cool Coolers are thin, hard-case ice packs sold in a set of four. Our cooling power tests revealed that these packs could only bring room-temperature water down to 73 degrees Fahrenheit, suggesting they would struggle to chill food and beverages on hot days. For better cooling, it might be a good idea to use more packs, arranging them above and below, or on the sides of the items you wish to cool, even on days when outside temperatures are comfortable.


In our cooling duration test, the temperature did not go below 59 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning these packs may struggle to keep beverages at a healthy, ideal temperature. To reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses, it is recommended to store your food and drinks in as cool a place as possible, avoiding direct sunlight. While there was some condensation, the ice packs did not leak during use. They scored high marks for convenience, requiring no special preparation. You simply need to place them in the freezer before use. Another nice feature is the use of BPA-free material for the containers, reflecting a thoughtful consideration for both food safety and human health.

Refrigerantunknown
Shell materialPlastic
Temperature ratingunknown
Condensation-freeunknown
Leakproof
View all

How We Tested the Ice Packs

Ice Packs Evaluation

We tested 12 best-selling ice packs from major retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart to determine our most recommended ice pack. At mybest, we define a superior ice pack as one that maintains a low temperature for an extended period, requires little effort, and is easy to use daily.


We evaluated the products based on the following criteria.


  • Cooling Power
  • Cooling Duration
  • Ease of Use

Products we tested

  1. Below Zero Pre-filled Ice Pack
  2. BentgoBuddies Reusable Ice PackBGICE-UNI
  3. Blue EleBE01
  4. Cooler ShockPremium Ice Pack43237-2
  5. Fit + FreshFit + FreshXL Cool Coolers239ICE
  6. IglooIce Block
  7. Lifoam IndustriesFreeze Pak8205544
  8. MedportFit + FreshCool Coolers Soft Ice Packs10300FF
  9. MedportFit + FreshCool Coolers336HLJP
  10. ThriveIce Packs900123
  11. TouritIce PackTR2401007AN025-FCA
  12. YETIIceYICE2N2
1

Cooling Power

Cooling Power

When using an ice pack, the first concern is its cooling ability. Ideally, it should prevent food from spoiling and keep beverages nice and cold. Here’s how we tested and rated cooling power. First, inside a lunch bag, we placed an ice pack and a can containing 10 ounces of room-temperature water at approximately 73 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, we inserted a thermometer to measure the temperature in real-time.


We left the lunch bag in a room at 90 degrees Fahrenheit for 24 hours. After 24 hours, we checked the lowest recorded water temperature. We evaluated the products based on the difference between the lowest recorded and initial water temperatures, giving higher ratings to those that maintained lower temperatures.

2

Cooling Duration

Cooling Duration

A good ice pack should stay cold for a long time. Here’s how we tested the cooling duration. First, inside a lunch bag, we placed an ice pack and a can containing 10 ounces of room-temperature water, approximately 73 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, we inserted a thermometer to measure the temperature in real-time.


We left the lunch bag in a 90-degree Fahrenheit room for 24 hours. After 24 hours, we checked the temperature recordings and calculated how long the water temperature remained below 59 degrees Fahrenheit. Higher ratings were given to products that maintained a water temperature below 59 degrees Fahrenheit for over six hours.


We based this six-hour benchmark on the time between preparing lunch at six in the morning and lunchtime at noon. For evaluation, we used a temperature range of 54 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit, considered ideal for drinking water and good for health (Source: PROCOOL).

3

Ease of Use

Ease of Use

Ice packs are commonly used when packing a lunch or going grocery shopping. We rated products that require minimal preparation, had short refreezing times, and incorporated numerous user-friendly features for everyday use. Consider these six key factors to ensure they easily fit into your daily routine.


  • Was there condensation?
  • Was there leakage?
  • Is it dishwasher-safe?
  • Is the refreezing time under eight hours? (If this was not stated, it was scored zero points.)
  • Are the contents non-toxic?
  • Does it need to be filled?

Top 5 Ice Packs

No. 1: Below Zero Pre-filled Ice Pack

No. 2: Cooler ShockPremium Ice Pack43237-2

No. 2: YETIIceYICE2N2

No. 4: TouritIce PackTR2401007AN025-FCA

No. 5: Fit + FreshFit + FreshXL Cool Coolers239ICE

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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  4. 12 Best Ice Packs [Tested and Reviewed]

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